Time

prologue

I sighed as I rubbed the stamp on my wrist; the seconds on it ticking away, the minutes breathing out against me, the hour’s wasting away, and the days mocking me.

Three days, two and a half minutes.

In all of the novels I read- the ones from before the mark were created- they learned helpful life-lessons from their heartbreak. And nowadays, the only kind of heartbreak we encounter is created by someone’s death.

I’m shocked that someone hasn’t invented something that stops death yet- that someone hasn’t found the way to immortality.

I hope no one finds immortality, corrupt people would use that to their benefit.

Three days and two minutes.

I wonder what they’re going to be like. Will they truly be the perfect match for me? How does the mark even work? How does it know who my soulmate is? How does it identify who’s personality will match mine perfectly?

How will I know who my soulmate is? How will I meet him? How will I react when I meet him?

What will he be like? What will he look like?

“Sweetheart?” my mother called from outside my bedroom. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yes, I am, mother.” I stuttered back.

Just three more days.

Just about two and a half days. That’s how long I have till I meet my ‘mate’.

Am I excited?

Not so much. But I have to put the façade up for my family and friends, they’re ecstatic about it and expect me to be too.

To be honest, I’m terrified of meeting my ‘mate’.

“So, summer’s nearly over, you ready to go to your first year of college?” Lily asked me, leaning back onto the rock.

“Yeah, I’m ready to get away from everyone.” I sighed. “I’m ready to be able to be myself.”

“I hear you on the first one.” She smiled softly.

“So what’s college like?” I wondered.

“Stressful and busy,” Lily answered. “But I guess that in the end, it’s all worth it.”

“Why?” I inquired.

“There’s a new experience around every corner.” she chuckled. “You never know what to expect.”